Turning the Lights on in Lebanon

Lebanon is on the brink of a government default on sovereign debt, a crisis perpetuated by the country's national budget crisis. Electricity is responsible of around 45% of the Lebanon's deficit and debt and the government of Lebanon continues to pump money in the failed national electricity company. But today Atlas Network partner Lebanese Institute for Market Studies (LIMS) is celebrating a big win that will have an effect on millions of Lebanese citizens. On April 8, 2019 the Lebanese government amended their laws in order to allow private companies into electricity production. The government is now resolved to rely on private independent power producers for all future generation projects and this amendment provides the legal framework. Three years ago, when LIMS suggested allowing private generation of electricity, it was not an idea that was taken seriously. Today, private production of electricity became a reality thanks to LIMS's well-structured advocacy campaign. Join Atlas Network for a reception on Monday, June 24 featuring Patrick Mardini, President of the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies. This event is part of our Global Policy Perspectives event series.  The dress is business casual; drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Dr. Patrick Mardini is the president and founder of the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies - LIMS, the first market oriented think-tank in Lebanon. LIMS works with government officials and members of parliament on designing specific policy reforms to address current challenges facing Lebanon. Under his watch, the institute was rewarded the prize of best policy paper in the MENA region at the First Arab Liberty Festival in 2014 and the best emerging think tank in the Mena region at the Arab Liberty Festival in 2015. Dr. Mardini is currently working with a team of experts on solutions to electricity outages and losses in Lebanon, water pollution, traffic, schools, etc. The challenge is to improve the service without increasing government expenditure and fiscal deficit. He is considered an expert on the limits of government intervention in a sectarian society and the importance of the free market in bringing peace. He is often interviewed by TVs, radios, and newspapers on economic issues related to Lebanon and invited to lecture in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Paris Dauphine University and postdoctoral research from John Hopkins University. He worked on the role of monetary policy in producing financial crises and economic recessions and explored alternative systems such as free banking and currency board. Dr. Mardini published several papers in academic journals. His past employment includes four years at the Paris mutual fund Modèles & Stratégies. Terms and Conditions of Attendance at Atlas Network's Global Policy Perspectives Events: Your attendance at Atlas Network's Global Policy Perspectives Events indicates your agreement to the following terms and conditions. All event attendees must register in advance of admission. A valid photo ID is required for registration and admission. Decorum This event is held for the benefit of our think tank partners in the global policy community as indicated on atlasnetwork.org/partners/global-directory. Anyone who attempts to attend this event without properly registering will be removed. Atlas Network further reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to physically remove from the premises any person, regardless of registration status, who in our judgment threatens to disrupt, inhibit, or undermine the quality of this event or the activities of our guests. This policy also applies to anyone who is responsible for bringing another person to the event. “Premises” shall be defined by Atlas Network in consultation with venue management and local law enforcement. Additional conditions of attendee conduct may apply pursuant to Atlas Network’s agreement with the owner of the event venue as well as local law enforcement. Any person who is removed may be subject to arrest or detention by law enforcement for violation of this policy or the codes of the jurisdiction of the event. Nothing in this policy is designed to infringe speech or conduct on public property. By registering for or attending this event, you agree that Atlas Network as well as its partners, contractors, and vendors assumes no liability for injury, damage or loss which may be related in any way to traveling to, attending, or traveling from this event, or with implementation of this policy. Emails and Onsite Photography By registering for and attending Atlas Network's Global Policy Perspectives Events, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their publication. Images, videos, and/or audio recording may be used to promote this event and similar Atlas Network events in the future and highlight Atlas Network's partners' and the broader network's growth and impact. By registering, you also consent to receive important Event news and reminders via email. Recording Atlas Network prohibits all unauthorized audio or video recording, image capture, or any form of transcription and transmission of event presentations and activities, including but not limited to statements by presenters, materials displayed or offered during presentations, and comments by event attendees captured without their express consent. Atlas Network further reserves the right at its sole discretion to authorize select audio or video recording and/or transmission of the event, as well as the taking of photographs during the event. Anyone so authorized agrees to use any and all such recordings or images only with Atlas Network's written consent, and agrees further to make them available without charge to Atlas Network for its unrestricted use. Atlas Network will have anyone conducting unauthorized recording or photography removed from this event, and may pursue at its discretion all available criminal and civil remedies. Packages All packages, bags, and other containers are subject to search, and may be required to be stored during the event.